Black Sabbath – The Eternal Idol (1987): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in November 1987, The Eternal Idol is the thirteenth studio album by Black Sabbath. This record marks a significant transitional period for the band, featuring Tony Martin on vocals for the first time.
The album reflects a band searching for a new identity after the departures of Glenn Hughes and previous vocalists, blending classic heavy metal riffs with melodic, commercial-friendly elements.
Album Overview
The Eternal Idol features Tony Iommi’s signature riffing alongside a more melodic and dramatic approach. Lyrics focus on power, corruption, love, and personal struggle, while the music balances doom-laden heaviness with accessible 1980s metal hooks.
Drummer Eric Singer and bassist Dave Spitz provide a solid backbone, while keyboards subtly enhance the atmosphere. This combination creates an album that is darker and more mysterious than previous 80s efforts, yet still melodic enough to appeal to a wider audience.
Tracklist – Black Sabbath: The Eternal Idol (1987)
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The Shining
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Ancient Warrior
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Hard Life to Love
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Glory Ride
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Born to Lose
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Nightmare
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Scarlet Pimpernel
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Painkiller
(Note: Some editions vary slightly in track order and bonus tracks.)
Album Review
The album opens with “The Shining,” a mid-tempo, melodic track that sets a moody, atmospheric tone. “Ancient Warrior” and “Glory Ride” showcase Iommi’s riff-driven approach with hints of melodic metal, while “Nightmare” leans toward epic and cinematic arrangements.
“Scarlet Pimpernel” highlights Tony Martin’s vocal range, blending theatrical storytelling with classic Sabbath heaviness. The album as a whole feels like a bridge between traditional doom metal and the melodic metal sound of the late 1980s.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Tony Martin made his Black Sabbath debut on this album and would later become a key vocalist for the band.
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• Trivia: The album cover depicts a mysterious and haunting figure, reflecting the dark and mystical tone of the music.
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• Did You Know? The Eternal Idol was recorded in Monterey, California, marking a shift from the UK-based recordings of earlier albums.
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• Fun Fact: The album was originally recorded with one bassist, but multiple bass overdubs were added during production.
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• Did You Know? Despite mixed initial reviews, songs like The Shining and Nightmare became live staples during the late 80s tours.
Cultural Legacy
The Eternal Idol represents Black Sabbath’s first step into the Tony Martin era, blending traditional Sabbath heaviness with melodic and commercial metal sensibilities. While often overlooked, it remains an important transitional album, influencing late 80s heavy metal and melodic doom.
Fans appreciate it today for its atmospheric riffs, solid musicianship, and the introduction of Tony Martin, who would become one of Sabbath’s most prolific vocalists.
Black Sabbath Full Discography
